so4 zai2傻仔
Jyutpingso4 zai2
Yalesòh jái
Definition
A stupid boy; a fool or simpleton.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Carries a range of tones from affectionate teasing between friends to genuine mockery depending on the context and delivery. While it literally refers to a boy, it is frequently used as a gender-neutral term to describe someone acting foolishly or naively. It is much softer than harsher insults and often implies a lack of social awareness rather than a lack of intelligence.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He looks just like a fool, it is really funny.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal settings or with people you do not know well, as it can easily be perceived as rude or condescending. Even when used playfully, it can cause offense if the recipient feels their intelligence is being attacked.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
